India claimed their first Women’s World Cup title on Sunday night. The team defeated South Africa by 52 runs at DY Patil Stadium.
A combined team effort, led by Deepti Sharma’s brilliance with the ball, sealed a historic triumph for the hosts.
South Africa began chasing 299 with a strong start. Openers Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt added a quick fifty-run stand in the power play.
However, India struck back when Amanjot Kaur produced a sharp direct hit to run out the Brits at the non-striker’s end.
Sree Charani made an immediate impact, trapping Anneke Bosch LBW in her opening over.
Wolvaardt anchored the innings with a classy 101 despite early setbacks. She brought up her 39th ODI fifty and guided South Africa past 100 with Sune Luus.
But India regained control when captain Harmanpreet Kaur introduced Shafali Verma into the attack.
Verma dismissed Luus in her very first over. She soon removed the dangerous Marizanne Kapp, turning the match in India’s favour.
Deepti Sharma then tore through the middle order, taking five wickets for 39 runs. Her relentless accuracy restricted South Africa’s scoring and derailed their chase.
Shafali supported with two crucial breakthroughs, while the rest of the bowling unit maintained consistent pressure.
South Africa’s hopes faded when Laura Wolvaardt fell in the 42nd over, followed by Chloe Tryon’s dismissal in the same over, leaving the visitors eight down with 78 still required.
Nadine de Klerk’s late resistance wasn’t enough as India bowled out South Africa for 246 in 45.3 overs, sparking scenes of celebration in front of an electrified home crowd.
Earlier, India set a formidable total of 298 for 7 – the second-highest in a Women’s World Cup final.
Shafali Verma top-scored with a fluent 87, while Deepti Sharma added a steady 58.
Smriti Mandhana contributed 45, and Richa Ghosh’s quick-fire 34 pushed India close to the 300 mark.
For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka claimed 3 for 58, while Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nadine de Klerk, and Chloe Tryon took one wicket each.